According to a statement posted on the ministry website, Tabar said: “The action of the Students Representative Council (SRC) president … on Wednesday, 4 May 2016, to conveniently withhold the petition of the student body of the UPNG from being handed over to me as the minister responsible is to be condemned by all peace-loving citizens and parents who have children studying at this institution.

“Such behavior is unbecoming of our future intellectuals and leaders of this country.”

“UPNG SRC is on record stating clearly that the Prime Minister, or his nominee, will receive the petition from the students.

“Receiving a petition means commencement of a process so that the petitioner can receive a timely response. Up to now government is not aware of the contents of the petition,” he said.